1. And the 8-Fold Path to Enlightenment
Buddhism
And the 8-Fold Path to Enlightenment

2. Basics Origin: India around 6-4th century BCE
Spread to Asia, now found worldwide.
Evolved from Hinduism, based on teaching of Siddhartha Gautama.

3. The Buddha
Siddhartha Gautama was a prince, born on the border of India and Nepal.
Lived luxurious life
One day, he saw an old man, sick man, dead man, and holy man (4 sights)
Seeks enlightenment, Becomes the Buddha – teaches others.

4. The Four Noble Truths All life is suffering.
Suffering is caused by attachment.
Suffering can be overcome.
There is an 8-fold path leading to the end of suffering.

6. WISDOM The Eightfold Path Right View
Understand the world is impermanent
Understand the 4 noble truths
Understand the concept of karma
2) Right Intention
Committing to self mental and ethical self-improvement
“The Will to Improve”
WISDOM

7. ETHICS The Eightfold Path 3) Right Speech No False Speech (Don’t Lie)
No Slanderous Speech (Don’t Gossip)
No Harsh Speech (Don’t be a hater )
No Idle Chatter (Speak with Purpose)
4) Right Action
Don’t harm others
Don’t steal from Others
Avoid sexual misconduct
5) Right Livelihood
Earn your living in an ethically “Good” way (Buddhist principals)

8. DEVELOPMENT MENTAL The Eightfold Path 6) Right Effort
Requires mental effort to keep yourself wholesome and on the right path.
7) Right Mindfulness
To see things clearly and as they are.
8) Right Concentration
To be mentally focussed.
Wholesome thoughts and actions.
Often achieved through meditation.
DEVELOPMENT
MENTAL

9. Key Words Buddha: the enlightened one
Stupa: a structure that holds the relics of the Buddha
Nirvana: the end of 8 fold path (goal of Buddhism)
Sangha: the Buddhist community

10. HOMEWORK
(250 words)
Try to follow the 8 Fold Path. Explain which steps you achieved and how easy or difficult was it to follow on the path.